Are you too old to ride trials?

At 38 going on 39 is it too late to start riding trials? I've ridden mountain bikes for most of my adult life so that isn't the problem. I'm just wondering if its much easier to grasp trails riding the younger you are.

One thing I do know is that free time is much less with responsibilities of home, job and family so I squeeze in trials time where I can.

You're still young. There are plenty of guys in the late 40's/early 50's who are still getting into it. Go to the media section and look up "I wonna be a trial bike rider" from wonnabe. He is proof that you can start at an older age... and still improve a lot.

You are fine. Same age here and started one year ago. Others that are 10 years older or more also starting.

Trials has been very convenient for me because I can train in front of my house just on a curb. So I usually do when my little kids are sleeping or busy. Probably one of the best things that had happened to me in my life.

Have in mind that because your age, the learning curb could be slower and it could be very frustrating. Just practice and practice.

You are fine. Same age here and started one year ago. Others that are 10 years older or more also starting.

Trials has been very convenient for me because I can train in front of my house just on a curb. So I usually do when my little kids are sleeping or busy. Probably one of the best things that had happened to me in my life.

Have in mind that because your age, the learning curb could be slower and it could be very frustrating. Just practice and practice.

We've got a few 50+ riders around here that regularly kick my butt on both technique and endurance.

I'm not even remotely talented, but I started 5 years ago at 38.

Do I have to stretch a bit more than the mid-20 riders? yep...
Do I have to take more vitamin I then those guys? yep...
Do I go as high or recover from a crash as quickly as younger riders? nope...
Do I have as much fun as they do? DAMN RIGHT!

At 38 going on 39 is it too late to start riding trials? I've ridden mountain bikes for most of my adult life so that isn't the problem. I'm just wondering if its much easier to grasp trails riding the younger you are.

One thing I do know is that free time is much less with responsibilities of home, job and family so I squeeze in trials time where I can.

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Clearly not a Toys R Us kid!
The only limitation is thinking "I'm too old to take up trials"

Wait, are you asking if _I'm_ too old for biketrials? Well, my body keeps trying to say just that, but I don't listen.
You're only as old as you feel (some days I feel 25, some days I feel... old)

Whether you're 8 or 80, if you're starting to ride trials because you think you're going to be a world champ or the next new TGS sensation, there's a 99.99% chance you'll fail and then you'll quit.

If you're riding because you think it's fun to challenge yourself and hang out with like-minded people, then you just might have a long future with biketrial.

If you're anything like sk8dad, you'll be having a blast, and improving your bike skills a hundredfold.

Would it be easier to learn as a kid? what sport wouldn't be?

I started in my 30's, and all these years later, i'm still having fun and learning new techniques (it helps that I don't usually ride a whole lot, and I'm a slow learner. Otherwise I might have peaked and got bored long ago).

(If you're curious what this old guy does on a bike, look for 48isDone on youtube)

At 38 going on 39 is it too late to start riding trials? I've ridden mountain bikes for most of my adult life so that isn't the problem. I'm just wondering if its much easier to grasp trails riding the younger you are.

One thing I do know is that free time is much less with responsibilities of home, job and family so I squeeze in trials time where I can.

Click to expand...

I wish I'd started trials at 38, Andrew Dickey and Joe Brewer would have been shitting then pants at our local comps when I turned up.:bowrofl:

Learning a new physical activity like trials helps keep your brain young. Plus its physically challenging, and your overall balance will be better so you're less likely to slip and fall (common injury for older people). Those are just reasons other than having fun!

Yup me too, 48 years old and started taking my trials riding more seriously a little over a year ago. The best part is how much it has helped my trail skills. I can ride stuff now I was never even able to touch on a mt bike not so very long ago. Yes, I will never set the learning curve on fire and slow on the uptake is the understatement of the year. The trials falls are slow (except for looping out) and as long as you don't go too big too soon bails have a fairly low risk association. So after a year; wheel swaps, track stands, hopping off, endo-off, endo-up, pedal up all working pretty well 2' high and less. Smaller stuff on the rear wheel (I would say again 2' and less) is all getting pretty comfortable too. I can gap about 3'-+ (as long as there is nothing to fall into). I'm Starting to work on smaller side hops up, and being able to "lurch" boulder to boulder on 2 wheels has also been great on the trail.
The best part is being able to sneak in rides (time wise) when I have less than an hour. Pop on my sneakers, helmet and gloves, quick stretch, check tire pressure ride a few warm up wheeles (cause their fun and I've always wanted to learn them in the parking lot) and then I hit the rocks and logs. The dog runs around if I have her with me, craps in the woods rather than our yard, and since I am no longer in collage I can afford new brake pads etc when needed. If fact Craig at CW Trials just set me up with a new ride I totally don't deserve, but man do I love it.